Denver Broncos / NFL

Peyton Manning ready for first meeting as a Bronco against Pats

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning insists that Sunday's game at New England is not a contest between him and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. But Manning understands that it's naturally billed that way.

"This game — I know it's a boring, boring answer for you all — but this is Broncos vs. the Patriots, and two 2-2 teams, pivotal game at a pivotal time of the season," Manning said Wednesday during his weekly news conference. "It's our second road test; we've had three games at home. It's a tougher test for us because we got to go on the road to their place, and it's a conference game."

Manning has faced the Brady-led Patriots 12 times, but this will be his first test in a Broncos uniform. Manning has fond memories of those previous games with the Pats.

"I've always looked at it as Colts vs. Patriots throughout those years, and there were some great games, don't get me wrong," Manning said. "I know people will often label it as a game between two quarterbacks, but we all know it's a team game. There were some great players in a number of those games, some great coaches, (but) not many players left from those games. I'm going to say Tom and I are probably the only ones who have played in all those games. ... Of course, my circumstances are different."

Manning has the utmost respect for Brady.

"He's a great player. He works at it. I know how hard he works at it," Manning said. " And I've always had an appreciation for guys who put that much time into it."

Broncos coach John Fox, whose team was eliminated in the playoffs last season at New England, said his squad is eager to present the Manning-led offense into Foxborough, Mass.

"Obviously, they're a great football team, maybe the best in a short period of time in NFL history," Fox said. "We're going to their place, you have a huge challenge. They're well coached, they're an outstanding football team and they have a quarterback that I know is going to do everything in his power to get his team ready to play. We expect a huge test."